Writers Helping Writers Since 1995

The first, the largest, the best online university for writers.

Writers' Village University is more than a great place to learn how to write; it's a living, breathing community of writers from around the world. Education should be a life-long pursuit for beginning and experienced writers. At Writers' Village University, you'll get to know a community of friendly, helpful members who have made education an important part of their lives.

The "Village," as members refer to Writers' Village University, is a full-time support service. We offer more writing courses than anyone, and add new classes regularly. As a member, you may take as many courses and workshops as you'd like. Certificate Programs and Writing Groups are available for every level of writer. It’s all included with your membership. If you're a beginner, you won't have to worry about harsh, intimidating criticisms of your work. We prefer to encourage and build confidence. For advanced writers, we provide workshop guidelines that encourage detailed, constructive criticism with an emphasis on craft and author intent.

CERTIFICATES

Writers’ Village University currently offers four certificate programs: Fiction MFA, Short Story MFA, Nonfiction MFA and Creative Writing. MFA Program courses are facilitated by experienced volunteers. All courses and workshops are included with WVU Memberships at no extra charge.

WVU Fiction MFA

WVU’s Fiction MFA is modeled on graduate-level university programs. A full-time student typically takes three courses per semester for 3 years (six 16-week semesters). WVU works differently; our courses vary in length according to the subject. For MFA students, courses are grouped by the semester. For example, eight 2-week courses equal a one-semester course. Likewise, two 4-week courses plus one 8-week course equal a one-semester course.

Part time students may take classes according to their schedules. There is no time limit to complete the program.

WVU’s Fiction MFA program includes advanced workshops and a balance of craft and literature courses. This is our most comprehensive program with six 16-week semesters

Short Story MFA

Our Short Story MFA is a 2-year program with a balance of craft and literature courses.

Nonfiction MFA

Our Nonfiction MFA is a 2-year program with a balance of craft, research, marketing and literature courses. It begins January 28, 2016.

MEMBER BENEFITS

At the heart of WVU is an active, supportive writing community representing all levels of writing skills and interest. Our members represent over 100 countries from across the globe; the majority have been with us 5 to 15 years. Most join for the courses, but stay for the groups.

WVU Site Guides are available to help members get started. Our site guides are knowledgeable WVU Volunteers who love helping other writers.

Within WVU are many writing groups and workshops. Each has its own specialty, personality and writing goals. New members will always find a home in our community. WVU currently has 30 active writing groups for beginning to advanced writers.

Over 200 writing courses and workshops are included at no extra charge to members. New courses start weekly. Classes may be taken at scheduled times with fellow members, or as self-study courses anytime.

Unique Courses: WVU has the largest selection of online writing courses. While many of our classes cover traditional elements of the writing craft, we also teach advanced concepts not found in other schools, giving our members the edge needed to excel in their craft. Many of our members have become published authors since joining WVU.

Our interactive classrooms are easy to use, intuitive and require no special software. Quick help is always available if needed.

Included is an extensive array of communication tools for members, including forums, private messaging, inter-community mailbox, chat rooms, and personal profile pages where members may share their successes, photos and videos.

Quick, friendly support is readily available whenever needed. Help requests are often responded to within minutes by WVU volunteers. Our FAQs, Knowledge Base and Support Forum cover most questions, so answers are always easy to find.

Currently, we're introducing a new line of advanced courses inspired by traditional university MFA programs, but without the expensive tuition. Our MFA courses are included with memberships. The course are 2-18 weeks long, are flexible, and fit busy schedules. New courses are added and updated regularly to meet the demands of changing interests and markets.